Vietnam's Regulations on Public Smoking (2024)

FAQs

Can you smoke in public in Vietnam? ›

Where Is it Allowed? Travellers are free to smoke anywhere in the countryside. However, in the urban regions of the country, people are becoming increasingly aware of the hazards of secondhand tobacco smoke. Usually, unventilated spaces and public areas are considered to be smoke-free zones.

May 14, 2021 (Hanoi, Vietnam)- The Vietnam Women's Union and the Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund (VNTCF) with support from global health organization Vital Strategies today launched a new media campaign “Quit Smoking to Protect Your Loved Ones.” The campaign shares the powerful story of Mrs.

Just like drinking, the legal age in Vietnam to smoke is 18. For those who are under 18, they are not allowed to smoke, buy and sell tobacco products. It's also illegal to sell nicotine and tobacco products for them.

Smoking bans are usually enacted in an attempt to protect non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke, which include an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other diseases.

Smoke Free Places

In other public places and workplaces, smoking is prohibited indoors, with the exception of airport waiting areas, bars, karaoke lounges, discos, hotels, and guesthouses, where designated smoking rooms are permitted.

Common taboos in Vietnam

Avoid Public Touching: Public displays of affection are not seen as appropriate. Avoid hugging, holding hands, and especially kissing in public. Even touching a member of the opposite sex is looked down upon. Modesty: It is important to keep your body covered.

22.5% of Vietnamese adults (age 15+) currently smoke tobacco products (men 45.3%; women 1.1%). 2.3% of youth (ages 13–15) currently smoke cigarettes (boys 3.6%; girls 1.2%).

A high percentage of these veterans smoked (60%). Vietnam veterans with PTSD who smoked were more likely than those who did not smoke to report higher levels of PTSD symptoms, depression and trait anxiety.

Vietnam C-Rations

Vietnam war C-Ration meals contained a single four-pack of cigarettes offered in the most popular cigarette brands: Lucky Strikes, Parliament, Chesterfields or Pall Mall's, Winston, Marlboro, Kools, and Salem for the troops.

A pack of cigarettes in Vietnam cost VND6,000-20,000 ($0.25-0.85). At my office in Vietnam, there is a gathering place for smoking. Many of the smokers are young men in their 20s. In the cafes near my house, whenever there is a group of young people coming, the service staff will automatically bring out the ashtray.

What is not allowed in Vietnam? ›

Flammable materials, explosives, knives, guns or other potentially injurious items are things you should not bring on your way out. Especially guns, it is illegal in Vietnam.

Domestic Vinataba maintains its leading place, with support from the government. Domestic brand Vinataba (Vietnam National Tobacco Corp (Vinataba)) maintained its leading place in tobacco overall, along with top places in both cigarettes and cigars (being the most popular forms of tobacco products in Vietnam).

This legislation (known as “Tobacco 21” or “T21”) became effective immediately, and it is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product—including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes—to anyone under 21. The new federal minimum age of sale applies to all retail establishments and persons with no exceptions.

Some places in the United States do not generally regulate smoking at all, some ban smoking in certain areas and not others, and some ban smoking nearly everywhere, even in outdoor areas (no state bans smoking in all public outdoor areas, but some local jurisdictions do).

Protecting Our Right to Breathe Clean Air

The scientific evidence is clear: Secondhand smoke causes serious diseases and premature death among nonsmokers. That's why a growing number of states, cities and countries are enacting laws that require all workplaces and public places to be smoke-free.

According to Clause 2, Article 7 of Decree 144/2021/ND-CP, the act of using alcohol and beer to cause public disorder is considered one of the violations of regulations on public order and is subject to administrative sanctions in Vietnam.

Nowadays, vaping is banned in many Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore, but is it the same state of affair in Vietnam? Thankfully, Yes, you can vape in Vietnam legally! You can freely vape in public when travelling to Vietnam, and you can even purchase a new vaporizer or oil in a shop.

You can use the smoking room opposite gate 14 in the departure hall, domestic terminal or opposite gate 15 – 18 departure hall, international area. Besides the fully serviced shower of the business lounge, you can find a free airport shower opposite gate 25 in the international terminal.